OXV: The Manual

I was skeptical about the ratings on IMDb but I decided to see this because I was looking for something different. I love the way it was told in parts, and how they all fit together. The movie was very smart and the actors and actresses all did an amazing job.

It kind of reminds me of the SciFi show Eureka, but with a more darker twist; I liked it. They did a good job with the music and the way they used the sound effects. Very clever camera work when viewing the situation from a certain persons perspective, bland colors vs. good saturation.

The movie had a slow build but the wait and the wonder was completely worth it in the end and it kept me thoroughly intrigued throughout. Great flick, I recommend it.. just bring your thinking caps, this one is for talking about.

Some movies require you to take the "reviewers rule book" and toss it.

This is one of them.

The writer/director Darren Paul Fisher appears to be one of those rare auteurs who releases a work every four or five years and then disappears or hibernates or goes back to his home planet.

This is an extraordinary film. Even now I not sure if this is a love story sugar-coated with one of the most complex metaphysical scripts of all time, or a metaphysical script grounded in a wonderfully odd love story.

However, as one of the main characters quips in the very last scene, "Does it even matter?"

The film is mesmerizing and engaging and challenging. It makes the MATRIX look like a Bugs Bunny cartoon. The scenes in the present with the adult cast are perfect and flawless, but the flashbacks with the child actors are beyond even that, they are hypnotic.

A great film by a gifted auteur. Memorable. Enjoyable. Astonishing.

Highly recommended

This movie is pretty savvy to say the least. It's also one of those cases where it merits more than one viewing to fully understand and appreciate what is going on. While the front is a romantic comedy with a Science Fiction touch, the Sci-Fi part is actually a lot bigger than you may think at first. Or maybe you thought about it or read about it already, but whatever the case, experiencing this movie, is a blast to say the least.

We have more time-lines and more jumps than some people will be able to handle or even want to handle. There's a point where things can seem to be too much. And after a couple of twists you may find yourself going "come on". But if you are like me and those other people who loved this, you'll actually be craving for more ... which is something the director is hinting at towards the end ... visually but also in his commentary!

I saw the world premiere at Fantasia and chatted at length with writer/director/editor/producer Darren Paul Fisher afterwards.

The Universe he created and that the viewer slowly discovers is complex, coherent, intriguing and raise ethical and philosophical questions including the classic determinism versus free will dilemma. The arguments and points of view are quite interesting, with a caveat that in the end, perhaps who cares?

There is a love story in the midst (and a friendship) that builds and begs to reach you emotionally with fine acting and directing. Character development arise seamlessly through three different age period and the pacing and editing are quite remarkably on cue.

I don't want to reveal too much about this cerebral science fiction, but there are many clever surprises that awaits the engaged viewer both in the story twists and the underlying concepts explored. Even love has some deep philosophical implications at one point in the context of the film.

So there you have it: the best film of Fantasia so far this year and one of the best sci-fi ever, from the spectacular script to the screen.

Bravo Mr Fisher and thank you for sharing your thoughts and labour of love in this artistic and philosophical masterpiece.

What would you do, if you were destined to fail, but then had the opportunity to level the playing field of your heart's desire?

I luv'd it. It's a gem.